Burbank's landfill is located in the Verdugo Mountains in the northeastern portion of the City. As the site is estimated to be an active landfill for the next 50 years or more, the City of Burbank didn't want to waste any opportunities with a guaranteed and free fuel source. The expansion project also adds two new compressor units to work in tandem with all eleven landfill microturbines. Having two compressors available for use is an operational practice that ensures on-going reliability for production of the 550 kilowatts of green power.

Generating electricity from renewable fuel sources, such as landfill gas, is an important goal for Burbank Water and Power. As committed to in the City's Renewable Portfolio Standard, Burbank Water and Power is striving for 20% of the power used by Burbank's residents and businesses to come from renewable sources by 2017.

Burbank is extremely proud of this green energy project. Already, the site has been toured by officials from as far away as Dade County, Florida, who are interested in developing similar projects. The project has also received financial backing from the State of California. Burbank applied for a grant from the California Energy Commission and was awarded $450,000. This grant covered 41% of the total $1.1 million project cost.

With a total production capability of 550 kilowatts, Burbank's complement of landfill microturbines can power the needs of about 500 Burbank homes, day in and day out. And that power is from a renewable source, so the environment wins as well. Before the microturbines were installed, all the landfill gas produced at the site was flared. Now, Burbank burns that fuel to create electricity. According to Ronald E. Davis, General Manager of Burbank Water and Power, "This is a wonderful project. Providing clean energy from a free source of energy is almost too good to be true."