NSW Premier Chris Minns has doubled down on the rollout of renewables in regional areas, arguing they are essential for the future of industries such as Tomago Aluminium.
It comes as tensions increase in Upper Hunter and New England communities over the path of new transmission lines that will connect renewable energy zones to the grid.
The rollout of three gigawatts of clean energy will be accelerated as part of a $2.5 billion power purchase deal to ensure Tomago Aluminium remains open beyond 2028.
The data centre boom will also fuel further demand for energy in coming years.
Mr Minns said the government was keen to work with communities affected by the new energy infrastructure to minimise its impact where possible.
But ultimately the projects were needed to ensure the state's economic sustainability.
"I think there is a lack of understanding (in some parts of the community) or there is an understanding of it but it's just not a trade that people are prepared to make. I understand that, but I don't have that luxury," Mr Minns said.
"We have to find energy for jobs, we have to find it for the economy. If it doesn't come from renewables it has to come from somewhere else.
"I think sometimes we are portrayed as a government that is thumbing its nose at communities that don't like renewable energy. I can promise you we are not doing that. We just don't have a choice."
Tempers flared again recently after EnergyCo contractors trespassed on a cattle property near Scone.
Three trucks drove past signs advising unauthorised vehicles not to enter.
EnergyCo, which apologised for the incident, said the contractor had mistakenly entered the private property against its policy.
Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell described the New England REZ as a white elephant.
"The people of the Upper Hunter aren't against renewable energy. What they object to, is the wasteful spending by a Labor government of billions of dollars on transmission line projects for a REZ that is obviously not the best solution," he said.
"People can see these wind farms are going to have a huge impact on landholders and yet they also remain uneconomic without more government handouts."
"It is far better to focus our investment into urban solar solutions combined with community batteries."
The multibillion-dollar Hunter Transmission Project, which will connect Bayswater and Eraring power stations and close a critical gap left by the closure of coal-fired power stations and the development of the state's five renewable energy zones, received planning approval late last month.
About 90 per cent of the 110-kilometre route will be located on mining, energy and government-owned land.
The number of directly affected private properties has been reduced as result of community feedback from about 70 to fewer than 20.
Subject to Commonwealth government approval, construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and be completed in late 2029.
