It is the world's largest single producer of alginates, supplying about one third of the world's need. Industrial development Abundance of high country and rainfall have created ideal conditions for hydro-electric power generation and the ready availability of cheap power has been a major factor in determining the development of some industries. The electrolytic production of metals such as aluminium provides a leading example. Tasmania's electricity requirements are provided by the Hydro-Electric Commission from a system based almost entirely on hydro installations. The total installed generator capacity is more than 2 million kW, of which 90 per cent is supplied by the hydro network.
Manufacturing remains one of the main contributors to the local economy.
It accounts for almost 20 per cent of the State's gross domestic product at factor cost, second to the government-dominated public administration, defence and community sectors. Manufacturing employs around 17 per cent of Tasmania's workforce producing a wide range of goods, including food, textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and paper products, chemicals, metals, transport equipment, industrial machines, and household appliances. They account for just over 60 per cent of the manufacturing turnover. Communication and transport within the State are helped by a well-developed road system. Air and sea connections exist with the Australian mainland.