In 2002 a group of enthusiasts, spurred on by Georges Leskens, launch into the restoration of the whole Moulin David facility
More than 10 years’ work would be required to refurbish the machines, which had suffered the ravages of time. The equipment is now in perfect working order. The association opens the doors of the Moulin David to the general public and groups of visitors, and has developed a number of activities for young and old, linked to water, mills, and electricity. Around 40 people are active in the association, which meets every Tuesday morning at the Moulin David and enjoys many convivial moments together.
Would you like to join an association of enthusiasts and lovers of science, technology, mechanical engineering, electricity, history and heritage?
The Moulin David is derelict .The machines are rusting away. The local council, owners of the building, are getting ready to dispose of everything. A Divonne local councillor, George Leskens, retired CERN engineer, drew its exceptional heritage value to the attention of the mayor and convinced him to keep it. He gathered together a team of engineers, technicians, and craftsmen, all with a passion for mechanical engineering and electricity, all volunteers and mostly former CERN employees, who set about the restoration of the machines.
Creation of the Divonnelectro association whose mission is to “restore and showcase the facilities of the Moulin David hydroelectric power plant”.
After a 12 year herculean task (30.000 hours of voluntary work) and thanks to a collaboration with the “Services Industriels de Genève”, and the support of the town of Divonne-les-Bains, the Moulin David hydroelectric power plant becomes the oldest working hydroelectric power plant in France on its original site!
The “ Fédération pour la valorisation des Patrimoines Rhônalpins” ( Federation for the appreciation of Rhône-Alpes Heritage) awarded the 2015 Rhône-Alpes heritage prize to Divonnelectro. Prix rhônalpin du Patrimoine 2015.
