The Porąbka-Żar pumped-storage power plant

Since 1979, in the Beskid Mały operates the second largest pumped-storage power plant. On the top of Mount Żar (761m a.s.l.), near Międzybrodzie Żywieckie, it is worth to see a huge tank top of this power station. Water is pumped to it with two wells inside the mountain from the Międzybrodzkie Lake lying at its feet. Average static drop of the power station is 432m, in the depths of the hill a machine hall is located, with an area of 1000 m2, where four reversible hydroelectric sets operate. The station has a very interesting program of sightseeing and is open for visitors all year round (visit must be booked).

In addition to this technological curiosity, the Żar Mountain  is also attractive to skiers. Since 2004, skiers have been taken to the top in cars of the ski lift moved there from Gubałówka. Thanks to favourable air currents, this mountain is also an ideal place for enthusiasts of paragliding and gliding. At its feet, the Żar Mountain Gliding School trains in paragliding and motoparagliding, as well as offers passenger flights.

Address:

ul. Energetyków 9
34-312 Międzybrodzie Bialskie