Wind power exploitation for assisting operation of reverse osmosis desalination plants was investigated. Two problems have been analyzed: the design determining optimum plant size with respect to membrane and turbine type for different production capacity levels and various site characteristics. Operational aspects of already installed wind-powered desalination plants with respect to plant capacity and regional wind field were studied. The methodology was applied for different types of membranes, wind turbines and feed characteristics (brackish water and seawater). Generalized design curves were produced for process structural and operational variables, and the effect of secondary plant parameters was also studied.