VATESI Head

Michail Demčenko

Education

In 1981 graduated from Moscow Engineering Physics Institute with Diploma of Engineer Physicist.


Work experience

1981–1983 Researcher Trainee at the Nuclear Reactor Physics Department, Moscow Engineering Physics Institute.

1983–1991 Engineer, Senior and First Category Engineer in Ignalina NPP’s Nuclear Safety Division. Participated in the commissioning and operation of Units 1 and 2 of the nuclear power plant.

In 1991, he was invited to join the newly established State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI).

1991–1997 VATESI Nuclear Safety Expert.

1997–2007 Head of VATESI Safety Assessment Division.

2007–2012 Deputy and from 2009 Acting Head of VATESI.

From 2012 – Head of VATESI.

While working at VATESI, he actively cooperated in organising and directly carrying out the review of the safety analysis report for the Unit 2 of Ignalina NPP, the design of the second independent reactor braking system and the review of the safety justification documents for other nuclear facilities and their modifications, the projects of the PHARE and the IAEA technical co-operation in the field of nuclear safety, and in the elaboration and implementation of the laws and other legal acts in the field of nuclear power safety regulation and supervision.

In 2002–2011 he was a member of the IAEA Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC). In 2012–2015 member of the IAEA Commission for Safety Standards (CSS).

During his leadership of VATESI, the operation of the Unit 2 of Ignalina NPP was safely completed, and the dismantling and decontamination of the plant's facilities no longer required for the management of nuclear fuel and radioactive waste began and were safely carried out.  Following a comprehensive safety assessment, licences were issued for the construction and operation of the second spent fuel storage facility, the solid radioactive waste retrieval and management facilities, the very low level radioactive waste storage facility and repository, and for the short-lived low and intermediate level radioactive waste repository. Additional comprehensive risk and safety assessment of nuclear fuel management facilities (stress tests) has been carried out in accordance with the methodology adopted by the European Union countries. Lithuania's regulatory and supervisory system for nuclear, radiation and physical safety has received high evaluation from the IAEA's IRRS and IPPAS missions.


Awards

2007 – Chairman’s of the Parliament Acknowledgement for a significant contribution ensuring safe operation of Ignalina NPP, for establishment state nuclear safety regulatory system and preparation of new specialists.

2009 – World Energy Council Lithuania Committee award “Sign of Honour in Power Engineering”.

2013 – Lithuanian Republic President award for the personal contribution towards the Lithuanian Presidency of the European Union Council.


Oher

Life motto: professionalism, businesslike, constructiveness.

Updated: 01-07-2024