Is nuclear energy qualitatively different, from a moral and ethical viewpoint, from all other energy sources?
Nuclear energy is qualitatively different in only one respect. Nuclear generating stations are operated in such a manner that virtually all their hazardous wastes are contained from the start, for permanent and safe disposal, and need never be dispersed. The operation of combustion-based plants in this manner is incredible. In all other respects the differences are only quantitative, but often in favour of nuclear energy. The potential for catastrophic accidents is certainly not unique to nuclear energy. Just as many hypothetical deaths could occur in the worst conceivable accident involving the collapse of a hydroelectric dam, a refinery fire or the explosion of a liquid-natural-gas tanker as in the worst conceivable reactor accident. In fact, the worst conceivable accident has never happened in any technology, and probably never will. Similarly, the potential for causing cancer or birth defects exists with all energy sources. The qualitative difference here is that in nuclear energy
