Cross-system cascades as drivers of the electrification pathway in net-zero transitions

While negative sustainability effects of cross-system interactions are well studied, positive cross-system cascades are less well understood. This Perspective shows that these cascade dynamics are already important in net-zero electrification transitions and will probably become more important in the coming years due to positive interactions between core innovations (including solar-photovoltaics, wind power, batteries, heat pumps, electric furnaces and green hydrogen), a key resource (net-zero electricity) and various complementary innovations. This Perspective discusses 12 cross-system cascade processes across technology, resource, actor and institutional dimensions. The Perspective also provides actionable policy recommendations for further stimulating positive cross-system cascades and accelerating net-zero transitions.