The energy plant at the Tynes Bay Incinerator could be privatised, as Government solicits ideas for the future of the waste-to-energy facility.After the Ministry of Public Works gazetted a request for proposal (RFP) to “supplement or replace” the existing unit, a spokesman told The Royal Gazette Government was “seeking ventures with the ability to self finance” and was “open to all models”.The move was in response to “numerous unsolicited proposals” sent to Government to replace or enhance Tynes Bay.The ageing facility has been repaired to the tune of more than $20 million since 2010.This has included “major refurbishments” of the combustion streams and pollution control systems of the waste-to-energy component, the spokesman said.Bales of garbage were stored at Morgan’s Point while the combustion streams were under repair.“This RFP will allow the Ministry to consider all possible proposals with the proper criteria to determine their feasibility and the best way forward for the Island’s waste management system,” the spokesman added.Suggestions for the Tynes Bay plant have included burning the Island’s horticultural waste to generate electricity. That proposal is under consideration, Public Works said, since plant waste is “carbon dioxide neutral and offsets fossil fuel usage”.However, the spokesman continued, the idea would ultimately have to be approved by environmental authorities.Meanwhile, the deadline for completed proposals is June 27. Details on the RFP are available at the Ministry’s reception desk in the General Post Office Building until May 4.Asked what type of energy plant was envisaged for Tynes Bay, the spokesman said: “The RFP seeks to answer this question, by seeking proposals for not only the current technology but any technology that can fully meet the needs of the Island.”Tynes Bay currently incinerates about 70,000 tons of waste each year, producing roughly 15,000 megawatt hours of electricity for distribution by Belco.