In 2002 a group of enthusiasts, spurred on by Georges Leskens, set about restoring the whole Moulin David facility
More than 10 years’ work would be required to restore 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 linked to water, mills, and electricity for young and old. 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 get involved in 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 preparing to dispose of everything. A 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 Rhone-Alpes heritage prize to Divonnelectro.
