Flow cell batteries and methods of producing an electric current are provided. In some implementations, a flow cell battery includes an electrochemical cell including an ion exchange membrane, an anode current collector, and a cathode current collector. The space between the ion exchange membrane and the anode current collector forms a first channel and the space between the ion exchange membrane and the cathode current collector forms a second channel. The ion exchange membrane is configured to allow ions to pass between the first and second channel. The battery includes a first tank configured to flow an anolyte through the first channel, wherein the anolyte is hydrogen gas. The battery includes a second tank configured to flow a catholyte through the second channel, wherein the catholyte is a compound that can be reversibly hydrogenated and dehydrogenated. The flow cell battery can be used to generate electric current.