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"It is a privilege to play my part, and I'm delighted to have been able to support people in their development and in particular to work with my colleagues to create a culture at Ofwat that really maximises the potential that all our people have to make the world a better place." Cathryn Ross, chief executive of Ofwat, on being named one of Utility Week's first Guiding Stars (see more, p20). The leadership award is a new addition to the Utility Week Stars Awards, which will be presented in Manchester on 23 June. Book your table at www.utilityweekstars.co.uk UTILITY WEEK | 2ND - 8TH JUNE 2017 | 5 ENERGY Unleashing innovative SMEs 'vital' for grids Networks must do more to unleash the potential of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a new study launched at Utility Week Live. The research from the Energy Innovation Centre and the Energy Systems Catapult draws its insights from a survey of more than 150 SMEs conducted by Renuma. The paper – titled Collective Future Insights – identifies ten key "blockers and barriers" which need to be addressed to get SMEs involved in the transformation of energy networks. "Leveraging the potential of innovative SMEs is vital if we're to access the full capacity of UK talent and drive productivity improvements," said Energy Systems Catapult chief executive Philip New. ELECTRICITY Northern Powergrid and Nissan join forces on EVs Northern Powergrid has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nissan to look at how electric vehicles (EVs) can support energy networks. The two companies will work together on a range of projects over the next six years, designed to look at how EVs, storage batteries and other new technologies can enhance the capability and resilience of the region's power network. Northern Powergrid's head of trading and innovation, Jim Cardwell, said the agreement "signals the start of a ground- breaking industry partnership", which could "support the creation of smarter, greener energy networks". €60m Octopus Energy Investments has closed a €60m refinancing deal for its 17.4MW French solar portfolio. Death and the Dame – accompanied by the grim reaper, Vivienne Westwood delivered a damning report on fracking to the Archbishop of Canterbury, which claimed fracking is dirtier than coal. The fashion designer also slammed the Church for allowing shale gas surveys on its land. Energy firm Eon has partnered with virtual music band Gorillaz to create a solar and battery storage- powered music studio. The partnership was launched with a music video produced by the studio for We got the power, a song from the new Gorillaz album Humanz. Former energy minister Baroness Sandip Verma has joined the board of the Renewable Energy Association as non- executive director. "The position APPOINTMENT of the renewables sector is unrecognisable to when I joined Decc in 2012," she said. "The cost curves have beaten even optimistic projections and are now cheaper in some circumstances than fossil alternatives." She said it was a "critical" time for the industry.