Enercon has introduced a new high-wind version of its E-138 EP3 turbine, designed to replace the discontinued E-82 EP2 E4 model. This move aims to address the gap in Enercon's portfolio and meet the growing demand for turbines suited to strong wind locations, particularly near coastal areas.
The updated E-138 EP3 variant will maintain the basic design of the standard model, with a rotor diameter of 138 meters and a rated output of 4.26MW, optimized for wind class IIA conditions. However, the new high-wind version expands the range of applications beyond wind class IIA by incorporating measures such as load-optimized operating modes and robust cast components.
“There are no changes to the hardware design,” said Sascha Exner, product manager for the EP3 platform. “We are expanding its range of applications beyond wind class IIA by combining various measures.”
The high-wind variant also features a new proactive service strategy designed to reduce operating loads and minimize yield losses. Enercon says that the updated operating modes place less strain on the turbine compared to conventional methods, ensuring its durability and efficiency in demanding conditions. Components that are particularly vulnerable to fatigue in high winds will be replaced during service intervals to maintain a 25-year service life.
The introduction of the high-wind version is expected to significantly increase energy yields, with the company reporting around a 1.5% improvement in annual energy production (AEP) compared to previous models. This enhancement is based on prototype measurements and further developments in the EP3 program.
Exner added, “The new E-138 EP3 high-wind variant is therefore an attractive addition to our product portfolio. For a significant proportion of IEC IA sites, we can now once again offer our customers high-performance and high-yield turbine technology combined with reliable availability and the proven high ENERCON quality standards.”
Enercon plans to install the first high-wind E-138 EP3 turbines in a pilot project in the UK in early 2026. Following this, the turbines will be available for additional projects in Europe, with further developments underway for the Asia-Pacific region.
