July 21 (Reuters) - Power equipment maker GE Vernova ( GEV )

will buy France-based Alteia, which makes artificial

intelligence-based tools that allow utility companies to review

their grids, it said on Monday.

GE Vernova ( GEV ) already offers Alteia's software to customers

through its GridOS Visual Intelligence. The tool helps utilities

assess damage and inspect assets along thousands of miles of

electrical lines.

The acquisition will enhance this system through visual and

operational data, allowing the companies to "see and sense" the

grid, GE Vernova ( GEV ) said.

The company did not disclose the financial terms of the

acquisition, which is expected to close on August 1.

GE Vernova ( GEV ) has highlighted that growth in its

electrification software segment - which includes the GridOS

system - could rapidly accelerate, RBC Capital Markets analyst

Christopher Dendrinos said. The segment has been growing at

mid-single digit percentage rates in the past couple of years,

he said.

Surging power demand from data centers used for AI and

cryptocurrency technologies has boosted GE Vernova ( GEV ), which was

spun off from General Electric ( GE ) last year.

The power demand is expected to hit an all-time high this

year.

The company is expected to release its second-quarter

earnings report on July 23 before the bell.