Google (GOOG) plans to build a large artificial intelligence data centre on Australia’s remote Indian Ocean outpost of Christmas Island after signing a cloud deal with the Department of Defence earlier this year, Reuters reported.
Plans for the data centre on the tiny island located 350 km (220 miles) south of Indonesia have not previously been reported, and many details, including its projected size, cost, and potential uses, remain secret, according to the report.
Alphabet Inc.-owned Google (GOOGL) is in advanced talks to lease land near the island’s airport to construct the data hub, including a deal with a local mining company to secure its energy needs, Christmas Island Shire officials told Reuters and council meeting records show.
Australia’s defence department entered into a three-year cloud agreement with Google in July.
